Veterans Day: Phoenix gathers for annual parade

This Veterans Day, thousands gathered this morning along 3rd Street in Phoenix for the 30th annual Phoenix Veterans Day Parade. And this year's theme, 30 years of honor and service. And Irene Snyder talked to one of the veteran organizers. Hey guys, yeah, a lot going on as far as preparation for the parade today. There's a new route this year, so there was a lot that went into that logistically. We're going to talk to Paula, who is a veteran that we're celebrating today as well. Paula, you've been doing this parade for so many years. What were the logistics like changing the routes this year, getting everything set up? It was really a lot. We had to work really closely with the city. We worked with Phoenix and Streets, and they did a great job helping us coordinate, figure out where we could stage, what streets to close. We had to get ADOT to help us close an off-ramp, which was new for us. So it's just a lot of that kind of behind-the-scenes things to make it beautiful for everybody to see today. That's wonderful. And then tell us, too, about the different floats that are in this parade. So we have several different floats this year. We have Honoring America's Veterans is a nonprofit I represent, and it's our 30th anniversary of the parade. So we made a cake float just for this parade, and that was kind of fun. And then we have the balloons, which are always a big hit with the crowds. So, you know, the eagle, the purple heart, those are some of our mainstays every year in the parade. And as a veteran yourself, thank you for your service today and always. And just tell us what this means to you to see so many people show up for Veterans Day. This community has been a phenomenal supporter of our nation's veterans. And I think the parade is like giving all of us veterans a big hug. And we really appreciate everybody that comes out and does that. Because, you know, we didn't always have it easy when we were in the service. So, having a thing Thank you, and an honor and a recognition like this really makes it special. Thank you for your time, Paula, this morning and today. We really do appreciate it, and we'll send it back to you guys. And in the East Valley, a Veterans Day parade taking place in Mesa. The theme this year, Nifty 250, Freedom Ain't Free, in honor of the historic 250th anniversary of our nation and military. The parade was led by Grand Marshal Major General Jerry Holmes. More than 100 entries marched south toward First Street, featuring military vehicles, flyovers, marching bands, and local first responders.